Pope Francis in critical condition, battling kidney issues, says Vatican

Pope Francis remains in critical condition but has not faced new respiratory crises, the Vatican confirmed on Sunday. He continues to receive high-flow oxygen therapy and blood transfusions. Doctors diagnosed him with mild kidney insufficiency, but they have it under control.

The 87-year-old Pope remains alert and aware. He participated in a Sunday Mass with hospital staff. However, the Vatican has not provided a prognosis, citing the complexity of his health condition.

Francis entered Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after days of breathing difficulties. Initially treated for bronchitis, he was later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs. His thrombocytopenia, a low platelet count condition, remains stable.

The Pope asked Catholics to pray for him as he missed delivering the Angelus prayer for the second consecutive week. He remains vulnerable to lung infections due to pleurisy in his youth, which led to a partial lung removal.

This hospitalization marks another health challenge in his 12-year tenure. Last year, he received treatment for bronchitis at the same hospital. Despite recurring health concerns, Pope Francis continues leading the Roman Catholic Church as its first Latin American and Jesuit pontiff.